Can you get unemployment if you got fired - Washington ESD eligibility question

You can definitely still apply for unemployment even if you were fired. Washington ESD will investigate the circumstances around your termination to determine if you're eligible. If you were fired for misconduct, that could disqualify you, but performance issues are usually different from misconduct. File your claim ASAP since there's a waiting period.

File your claim immediately. Washington ESD will contact both you and your employer to determine the facts. If your employer can't prove you committed misconduct, you'll likely be approved. Even if they initially deny you, you can appeal the decision.

I had a similar situation last year - got fired for 'performance issues' but it was really because my boss didn't like me. Washington ESD approved my claim after investigating. The key is being honest about what happened and providing any documentation you have. Don't assume you're disqualified just because you were terminated.

Just went through this exact process and it was such a headache trying to get through to Washington ESD for updates on my claim status. If you need to actually talk to someone there, I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helped me get connected to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of busy signals and hold music.

ugh the whole system is so frustrating! I got fired from my retail job 3 months ago and it took FOREVER to get approved. Washington ESD makes you jump through so many hoops even when you clearly deserve benefits

Important reminder - even if you get approved for unemployment, you'll need to complete weekly claims and meet job search requirements. Washington ESD requires you to actively look for work and log your job search activities. Don't forget about those requirements once your claim is approved.

File ASAP! Don't let them intimidate you just because you were fired. I know someone who got approved even after being terminated for attendance issues because the company couldn't prove willful misconduct.

whatever you do dont lie about anything when you file. washington esd will find out the truth anyway and lying will definitely disqualify you. just be honest about what happened

One more thing - if Washington ESD initially denies your claim, don't give up. You have the right to appeal their decision and request a hearing. Many people win their appeals even after an initial denial, especially in termination cases where the employer can't prove misconduct.

I was in a similar boat - got 'laid off' but really fired for bogus reasons. Washington ESD approved me after about 3 weeks of investigation. The employer has to prove misconduct, not just that they didn't like your work. Performance issues happen and that's what unemployment insurance is for!

Pro tip: when you file your initial claim online, be detailed but stick to the facts. Don't get emotional or rant about how unfair your boss was. Just state what happened objectively. Washington ESD wants facts, not feelings.

omg yes file immediately!! I waited a week after getting fired and regretted it because you can't get benefits for that gap week. every day you wait is money you're losing

Just want to mention again about that Claimyr service I used - it was honestly a lifesaver when I needed to get status updates on my claim. Washington ESD's phone system is brutal and I was getting nowhere trying to call on my own. Definitely worth checking out if you run into phone problems.

Final reminder - even if you're approved for benefits, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to receive payments. Don't skip a week or you'll lose that week's benefits. Mark your calendar and set up a routine for filing every week.

Good luck with your claim! Remember that getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you. Washington ESD has to prove misconduct occurred, and performance issues typically don't meet that standard. Stay positive and be patient with the process.

Make sure you have all your employment information handy when you file - dates of employment, employer contact info, reason for separation, etc. Having everything organized will make the application process smoother and faster.

honestly getting fired was the best thing that happened to me because I found a much better job while on unemployment. dont stress too much about it - use this time to find something better!

One last thing - if your employer contests your claim (which they might to avoid higher unemployment taxes), don't panic. Contest cases are very common and many people still get approved. Just make sure you respond to any requests for information from Washington ESD promptly.

Best of luck! The whole process can be stressful but Washington ESD is generally fair about approving benefits for people who were fired without committing actual misconduct. Hang in there and don't let your former employer intimidate you.